Description of Crataegus invicta Beadle
Crataegus invicta Beadle is a deciduous shrub or a small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America, particularly in the regions of the Great Plains, the Midwest, and the Southern United States. Moreover, it is commonly referred to as the cockspur hawthorn, due to its unique thorn-shaped leaves and branches.
Common Names
The Crataegus invicta has many common names, including Cockspur hawthorn, Beadle's hawthorn, Beadle hawthorn, and New Mexico hawthorn.
Uses
The plant has several uses, particularly in traditional medicine. Its fruits or haws are rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids that provide cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an essential ingredient in formulating anti-inflammatory medicines that are used to treat various ailments like cardiovascular diseases and to regulate blood pressure. Moreover, the plant has been used popularly in Native America for gastrointestinal disorders and curing common ailments like diarrhea, cramps, and bloating.
General Appearance
Crataegus invicta is a small tree that has a height of 5 to 8 meters and a spread of about 4 meters. It has a rounded crown and canopies of branches that produce thorns that are up to 3 cm long. The shrub has flowers that are white, crimson, or pink in color and bloom towards the end of spring. The berries of the Crataegus invicta shrub are red and spherical, measuring around 1 cm and stay on the tree throughout fall and winter. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and develops a scaly texture on mature trees as they age.
In conclusion, Crataegus invicta Beadle is a unique and beneficial plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is an excellent plant to add to your garden for its wonderful flowers and berries.Light requirements
Crataegus invicta Beadle, commonly known as the Invicta Hawthorn, prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires exposure to sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day for optimal growth and flowering. Insufficient sunlight may lead to poor growth, weak stems, and reduced flowering.
Temperature requirements
Crataegus invicta Beadle is cold-hardy and adapts well to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F (-34 °C) without damage to the plant. However, it grows best in a moderate temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). Extreme heat may cause stress to the plant, leading to wilting and yellowing of leaves.
Soil requirements
Crataegus invicta Beadle prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soils, including clay, sand, and moist soils, but it does not do well in waterlogged areas. It requires adequate moisture for growth but can tolerate drought conditions. To improve the soil quality, organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, can be added to the soil before planting.
Cultivation methods for Crataegus invicta Beadle
The plant, Crataegus invicta Beadle, commonly known as the thornless cockspur hawthorn, is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It is mostly grown in USDA zones 5 to 9. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, loamy soil. Plant it in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth as the container it was grown in. Water the soil thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots.
Watering needs for Crataegus invicta Beadle
The thornless cockspur hawthorn tree is relatively drought-tolerant once it matures. However, during the first few months after planting, it needs consistent moisture to establish the roots. Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure that the soil around the roots remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce the frequency of watering during winter as the tree is dormant.
Fertilization of Crataegus invicta Beadle
Feed the tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before the new growth appears. Follow the package instructions for application rates. In addition, add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to the base of the tree, ensuring that it does not touch the trunk. This practice improves the soil structure, retains moisture, and adds nutrients to the soil.
Pruning of Crataegus invicta Beadle
Prune the thornless cockspur hawthorn tree during the dormant period in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches with a sharp and clean pair of pruning shears. Cut the branches back to the collar of the branch, where it connects to the trunk or another branch. Also, remove any suckers that grow from the base of the tree. Suckers divert nutrients from the main trunk and can weaken the tree over time.
Propagation of Crataegus invicta Beadle
Crataegus invicta, commonly known as the Invasive Hawthorn, can be propagated using various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seeds
Propagation via seeds is the easiest and most common method. In late autumn, collect the seeds from the ripe fruit and store them in a cool, dry place. In the spring, sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable height, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Cuttings
Propagation via cuttings is another method of propagation. Hardwood cuttings should be collected in late autumn from one-year-old lateral shoots. Cuttings should be at least a quarter inch in diameter and should have several nodes. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Place the container in a warm, bright place and keep the soil moist. It may take several weeks for roots to form, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is a specialized technique where the stem of the plant is attached to the rootstock of another plant. In the case of Crataegus invicta, grafting is usually executed with hardwood cuttings of closely related species. This method ensures that the plant will have the same characteristics as the original plant.
Propagation of Crataegus invicta requires patience and attention to detail, but the resulting plants are well worth the effort. By using appropriate propagation techniques, you can successfully propagate this beautiful and valuable plant species.
Disease and Pest Management for Crataegus invicta Beadle
Crataegus invicta Beadle is a deciduous shrub commonly known as the Apple-Hawthorn. It is susceptible to several pests and diseases that can cause significant damage if left unmanaged. Effective disease and pest management strategies are crucial for the maintenance of healthy plant growth and yields of high-quality fruits.
Common Diseases
Fire blight is a major bacterial disease that affects the Crataegus invicta Beadle plant. The symptoms include blackening of the stems and leaves, causing wilting and death of the plant. The disease tends to flourish when the weather is warm and humid. Another common disease is Rust, which causes orange or yellow spots on the plant's leaves and stems. It can also lead to the premature defoliation of the plant reducing fruit yield. Anthracnose is another fungal disease that causes leaf, stem, and fruit spotting. It thrives in cool and wet weather conditions.
Pest Control
Crataegus invicta Beadle is vulnerable to several insect pests like the aphids, spider mites, and borers. These pests feed on the plant's sap and cause stunted growth, discoloration, and malformations of the plant. Aphis spiraecola, which is a species of aphid, is a significant threat as it causes fruit deformation and reduces the overall plant's health. The spider mite feeds on the underside of the plant's leaves, leaving tiny yellow spots that later turn brown. The most common borers that attack Crataegus invicta Beadle are the dogwood borer and the clear-winged moth larvae. They bore into the plant's stem and cause wilting or death.
Disease and Pest Management Strategies
To control bacterial infections, pruning the infected branches, and burning them can be helpful. Additionally, copper-based fungicides can be used to treat rust and anthracnose by spraying the plant with fungicide beforehand and continue for ten to14 days until the disease is under control. Overhead irrigation should be avoided as it provides a conducive environment for disease development. To control the pests, regular scouting is essential to identify early signs of infestation. The use of insecticidal soap or horticultural oils can discourage the pests from infesting the plant. The introduction of predator insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help manage insect pests. Clearing the weeds and infected plant debris around the hawthorn plant can significantly reduce the occurrence of pests.
The above disease and pest management strategies can significantly improve the health and productivity of crataegus invicta Beadle plant. Continuous scouting and monitoring of the plant health are essential for successful control of pests and diseases.
